verb
bow out
BOW owt
Bow out (verb) means to withdraw from a contest, role or commitment, especially gracefully and by your own choice. Example: “She bowed out of the race two weeks before the vote.”
verb
1
To withdraw from a contest, role or commitment, especially gracefully and by your own choice.
"She bowed out of the race two weeks before the vote."
"After thirty years behind the bar, he's bowing out at the end of the month."
2
Of a team or competitor, to be eliminated from a competition.
"They bowed out in the quarter-finals on penalties."
How to use bow out
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo leave something you were part of, usually politely and on your own terms.
When to use it
Neutral and common in journalism, especially sport and politics. It carries a note of dignity that 'quit' or 'drop out' does not.
Memory tip
'Bow out of' takes the thing you are leaving: bow out of the contest, the tournament, the role.
Easily confused with
back out
drop out
bail out
Common pairings
bow out gracefully
bow out of the race
bow out at the top
bow out in the semi-finals
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Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for bow out
See all rhymes for bow out →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'bow out' and 'back out'?
'Bow out' is a dignified departure, often after a long involvement, and implies no fault. 'Back out' means withdrawing from something you had already agreed to, and usually suggests you have let someone down.
Does 'bow out' mean to retire?
It can, and it is a common polite way of saying so. But it also covers leaving a single race, contest or project, not just ending a whole career.
What is the meaning of bow out?
"bow out" (verb) means to withdraw from a contest, role or commitment, especially gracefully and by your own choice.
What is another word for bow out?
Other words for "bow out" include withdraw, step down, retire, pull out, quit, exit.
